Department of Labor spikes Trump apprenticeship program detested by unions

foxnews.com:

The Department of Labor will cut back on federal apprenticeship programs as it nixes a Trump administration policy regarded as a "threat" by labor unions.

The Biden administration will dissolve the Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program (IRAP) on November 25—a move that follows strong pressure from Democrats and labor unions who argue the program lacks necessary oversight from the DOL.The IRAP was established to expand apprenticeship programs beyond traditional labor professions like construction and into modern industries such as cybersecurity.The program allows authorized third-party employers to approve training programs instead of needing a direct approval from the DOL or a state agency.

Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., in a letter to Labor Secretary Marty Walsh obtained exclusively by Fox News Digital, wrote that the Biden administration’s criticisms of IRAP are illegitimate and promote a "false narrative" on labor regulations.   "I am disappointed DOL has taken away choices and limited high-quality training opportunities for American workers," Burr wrote. "IRAPs are nimble, able to adapt to changing work practices, and match skills needed for modern industries." Apprenticeship programs allow workers to receive training at their place of employment to develop necessary skills and achieve higher wages.

Prior to IRAP, this was all done at the federal level through the DOL Registered Apprenticeship Program, which has nearly 600,000 active apprentices and which continues to exist.